Jr ACRY 2012 Lenten Youth Project

JOHNSTOWN, PA - The National Junior ACRY has announced plans for a special Lenten Youth Project to benefit our Diocesan St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto Ontario. While sponsored by the JR. ACRY all diocesan youth are encouraged to participate. The following is the text of a letter from Very Rev. Miles Zdinak, National Jr. ACRY Spiritual Advisor, which is being sent to all JR.ACRY chapters and all diocesan parishes regarding the project.

"And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another." -II John 1:5

The National Junior ACRY has taken it upon itself to help aid the Diocesan mission of Saint John the Compassionate located in Toronto, Canada. This decision to assist the Mission was made by the National Jr. ACRY at the National ACRY Convention held Labor Day Weekend 2011.

The Mission, run by the Very Reverend Father Roberto Ubertino, provides assistance to those in need in Toronto, Canada. The mission has continued to provide meals, plus job training and spiritual counsel to those in need in part because of the generous contribution by those organizations and individuals this past year.

The mission, in order to provide for the needs of others, needs support not only from those who donate their time and talents, but also from those who can offer financial support. This support is needed to insure that the programs of the Mission can continue to help transform the lives of those in need. Please visit the mission's website for detailed information on its many faceted works: www.stjohnsmission.org

The National Juniors are inviting all parishes, Church school classes and other parish organizations to aid in this endeavor of provided for the needs of others through this diocesan mission during this season of Lent. This appeal is a great opportunity to teach the lesson of our Lord in taking care of others in need. Just as is foretold in the Gospel of the Final Judgment we minister to our Lord by ministering to others.

How can you help? You can also hold an event or fund-raiser to provide funding for the mission. You can also have a collection box in the parish hall for use during your social time following the service. Special collection containers can be given out to families to have in their homes to use during Lent. Funds will be coordinated through Saints Peter & Paul ACRY in Windber Pennsylvania. Checks can be made out to SS Peter & Paul ACRY Chapter 13, and sent to 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963. Please call Fr. Miles at 814.467.7444 if you have any questions. Funds can be sent in throughout the Great Fast and the Paschal Season. A trip is being planned to the Mission for this coming summer for members of the Jr. ACRY. The funds collected will be hand delivered by check to the Mission at that time.

I pray you will join us in this ministry. May the good Lord assist you in all the work you do in His name so that your light may so shine forth before men.